"Poliovirus Detected Again in Rawalpindi: Urgent Vaccination Drive Initiated"

Introduction:

Rawalpindi district in Pakistan has experienced a concerning resurgence of poliovirus, with sewage samples testing positive for the virus. This marks the second detection of poliovirus in the region in just a month. The findings have prompted immediate action, including an intensified vaccination campaign to protect children from the debilitating disease.

Key Developments:

1. Poliovirus Detection: 

Poliovirus was detected in a sewage sample collected from Safdarabad near Pirwadhai, located between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The virus was found to be genetically linked to the YB3A cluster active in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. This follows a similar discovery in Serai Kala, Taxila, where the virus was linked to the same cluster in Kandahar.

2. Vulnerability to Importation: 

Despite Punjab being declared polio-free since 2020, intermittent positive environmental samples in major cities indicate ongoing risk of poliovirus importation. The region's proximity to Afghanistan, frequented by travelers from the northern corridor, heightens this risk.

3. Vaccination Campaign: 

In response to the poliovirus detection, a five-day anti-polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin on September 4, targeting 800,000 children across Rawalpindi district. The campaign aims to ensure every child receives the necessary polio immunization.

4. Public Awareness: 

Students from Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) have actively engaged with parents, encouraging them to participate in polio vaccination campaigns. Their efforts emphasize the importance of protecting children from lifelong disability associated with poliovirus infection.

Conclusion:

The detection of poliovirus in Rawalpindi raises concerns about the persistence of the disease and the potential for outbreaks. The immediate vaccination campaign, coupled with public awareness initiatives, is crucial in containing the virus and preventing further transmission. It highlights the ongoing efforts in Pakistan to achieve and maintain polio-free status, emphasizing the importance of immunization to safeguard children's health.